Retired Naval Officer to Decide Best In Show at the 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Robert “Bob” Slay Tops Judging Panel at America’s Dog Show

Mr. Robert H. Slay of Cary, North Carolina has been given the most prestigious judging assignment in the sport of purebred dogs — deciding who will be the Best In Show winner at the 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Mr. Slay brings extensive experience and dog knowledge to the sport. Anchoring Westminster Week, this iconic annual dog show has been held continuously in New York City since 1877.

Mr. Slay grew up in Southeastern Mississippi where his family owned a working farm and he gained respect and appreciation for several types of hunting dogs. Although he has owned several different breeds, he loved, bred and handled champion German Shepherd Dogs for many years. In 1964, while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina as an ensign in the United States Navy, he purchased his first German Shepherd Dog. She easily achieved her American Kennel Club championship and Mr. Slay was forever hooked on the sport. He was married to the late Jane Vassar “Candye” Slay and has one son and two grandchildren.

Mr. Slay is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and the United States Naval Officers Candidate School. He served five years on active duty afterwards obtaining the rank of Commander in the Naval Reserves. In addition, he also attended the Yale University School of Executive Management Leadership Program. He has always been active in his community. Mr. Slay was elected to public office for three terms serving as chairman of one of the largest public school systems in South Carolina. He chaired a United States Department of Energy Advisory Board for five years and served several years as the South Carolina State Chairman of the Morris Animal Foundation. He was also a member of the original steering committee for the AKC Museum of the Dog. In 1983, the North Carolina governor awarded his highest honor to Mr. Slay by inducting him into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society for service to his state and community.

Employed by the American Kennel Club for 18 years, Mr. Slay served as an Executive Field Representative and later as a Vice-President. While at the AKC he was responsible for the development and implementation of AKC’s first DNA programs in support of registration and pedigrees. He retired from AKC in 2004 to resume his judging career. Mr. Slay has served as president and show chairman for several all-breed and specialty dog clubs. He was first approved to judge in 1979 and has judged extensively throughout the United States and overseas.

Mr. Slay judged the Westminster Herding Group in 2009 and the Working Group in 2018. This will be his eighth judging assignment at Westminster.

Seven Group Judges will select their picks for the Best In Show competition over two nights at Madison Square Garden.

On Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 the following judges will select the group winners to advance to the Best In Show competition. Ms. Marjorie Martorella of Millstone Township, New Jersey for the Hound Group; Mrs. Doris Cozart of Denton, Texas for the Toy Group; Mr. Allen L. Odom of Denver, Colorado for the Non-Sporting Group; and Mrs. Shirley D. Limoges of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada for the Herding Group.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 the following judges will select the remaining three group winners to advance to Best in Show. Ms. Theresa L. Hundt of Sandy Hook, Connecticut for the Sporting Group; Mr. Jay Richardson of Elgin, Illinois for the Working Group; and Mr. Norman B. Kenney of Cross Roads, Texas for the Terrier Group.

The Best Junior Handler award will be decided on Tuesday, Feb. 11 by Junior Showmanship Finals Judge Mrs. Valerie Nunes-Atkinson of Temecula, California. This will be the 87th year the finals will be held at Madison Square Garden. The eight junior showmanship finalists will be determined in preliminary rounds by judges Mrs. Sioux Forsyth-Green of Pinehurst, South Carolina and Mrs. Marianne “Tuni” Conti of Oxford, Connecticut.

The 7th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 will be judged by Ms. Sue Barnett of Avon, Connecticut and Ms. Lavonda L. Herring of LaGrangeville, New York. Mr. John D. Landis of Hellertown, Pennsylvania will officiate for the 5th Annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster.

All Westminster Week events are presented by Purina Pro Plan®.

Pending American Kennel Club approval, the judging panel for the Best of Breed or Variety competitions includes: